Around The Rim

New Trail Blazers coach Maurice Cheeks named Rasheed Wallace a tri-captain in the hope that Wallace will exercise self-discipline for the good of the team. "Mo is demanding things nobody has demanded of Rasheed in the past," says Damon Stoudamire, who, with Scottie Pippen, was also named tri-captain....

Shed no tears for the "fired" agents of Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal. Although Jordan had no need for David Falk in signing with the Wizards, Falk still handles MJ's endorsements. While O'Neal will be represented by his uncle Mike Parris, Leonard Armato will continue to be paid commissions on the myriad deals he negotiated for Shaq....

Bulls 6'5" point guard Jamal Crawford is up to 190 pounds after adding 15 to his upper body while rehabbing from August surgery on his left knee. Crawford, 21, who made a believer of Jordan during summer pickup games in Chicago, hopes to be back by February....

Terrell Brandon got off to a bad start at training camp by requesting a role off the bench and a reduction in minutes next season if the Timberwolves want to develop a new point guard. Two problems: Nobody is waiting in the wings, and Brandon is guaranteed $42.6 million over the next four seasons.